[Inguinal hernia repair with marlex mesh in a preperitoneal site using the classical inguinal access]

Following a brief review of the main method of prosthetic repair used for inguinal hernia: Lichtenstein, Stoppa, Rives, etc, the authors propose an original technique consisting in the placement of a marlex patch below the trasversalis fascia, in a pre-peritoneal site, using a classical inguinal access route. The prosthesis is fitted round the spermatic funicle and fixed with a single stitch to the pubis and with a few others, in resorbable material, to the posterior face of the trasversalis fascia. Above it, plastic surgery is performed to bring the triple stratum closer to the reflexio of the inguinal ligament. The prosthesis is kept in place by positive abdominal pressure. The method outlined here has been used in 71 cases of primary or recurrent inguinal hernia. Follow-up lasted for 1-24 months and showed the low morbidity (4.5%) due to sepsis of the surgical wound, which did not require reoperation, and only 1 case of recurrent hernia which was probably caused by the incorrect positioning of the prosthesis.